How to Create a Local Account in Windows 11

Creating a local account in Windows 11 lets you use your PC without a Microsoft account, keeping your sign-in and data separate from online services. This guide walks you through the steps for both new installations and existing setups, plus what to do if the option is hidden.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows 11 PC with administrator access (if you’re adding an account to an existing setup).
• If you’re setting up a new PC, you’ll need to be at the out-of-box experience (OOBE) screen.
• An internet connection is helpful but not always required — we’ll cover the offline trick.

Step-by-Step

Method 1: During Initial Setup (OOBE)

1. Turn on your new PC and go through the initial setup until you reach the screen that asks “How would you like to set up this device?”
2. Choose Set up for personal use and click Next.
3. On the Microsoft sign-in screen, look for the link that says “Sign-in options” or “Offline account” (the wording varies by Windows version). Click it.
4. If prompted, click “No, thanks” or “Skip for now” when asked to sign in with Microsoft.
5. Enter a username for your local account. Optionally, add a password and password hint (you can leave these blank for a passwordless account).
6. Click Next and finish the remaining setup steps. Windows will create your local account and log you in.

Method 2: If the Offline Option Isn’t Visible

1. At the Microsoft sign-in screen, do not enter your email. Instead, click “Create one” or “Sign up” as if you’re making a new Microsoft account.
2. When it asks for an email, click the link that says “Use a phone number instead” or “Use a different email” — then look for “I don’t want this” or “Skip” in the corner.
3. Click Skip and Windows will let you create a local account instead.

Method 3: Disconnect from the Internet

1. During setup, when you reach the network screen, click “I don’t have internet” (if available).
2. If that option isn’t shown, unplug your Ethernet cable or turn off Wi-Fi (toggle airplane mode).
3. Click Back to return to the network screen, then click “I don’t have internet”.
4. Windows will now allow you to create a local account.

Method 4: Add a Local Account to an Existing Windows 11 Installation

1. Open Settings (Win + I) and go to Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Under Other users, click “Add account”.
3. In the pop-up, click “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information”.
4. On the next screen, click “Add a user without a Microsoft account”.
5. Enter a username, password (optional), and password hint. Click Next.
6. The local account appears in the list. You can sign out and switch to it, or manage its permissions from the same screen.

Method 5: Switch an Existing Microsoft Account to Local

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Your info.
2. Click “Sign in with a local account instead”.
3. Enter your current Microsoft account password to verify, then click Next.
4. Set your local username, password (optional), and hint. Click Next.
5. Click Sign out and finish. You’ll be signed out, and the next sign-in uses your local credentials.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping the “Sign-in options” link — many users miss it because it’s small and at the bottom of the screen.
• Entering an email when you want a local account — if you type an email, Windows assumes you want a Microsoft account.
• Forgetting that the offline trick only works during initial setup — you can’t disconnect to add a local account later; you must use Settings.
• Not setting a password hint — if you set a password but leave the hint blank, you’ll be locked out if you forget it.
• Choosing “Set up for work or school” — this forces a Microsoft or organizational account; choose personal.

Tips

• Use a password hint that only makes sense to you — it’s shown to anyone who clicks the hint link on the login screen.
• You can create a local account with no password at all, but that means anyone with physical access can log in.
• If you later want to use Microsoft Store apps that require an account, you can add your Microsoft account to the Store without switching your whole sign-in.
• For a new PC, consider setting up with a local account first, then linking your Microsoft account only if you need OneDrive or other sync features.
• You can change a local account to an administrator in Settings > Accounts > Family & other users by clicking the account and selecting Change account type.

Troubleshooting

The “Offline account” option is missing

This is common on Windows 11 Home and Pro versions released after 2022. Try the “create a Microsoft account then skip” trick from Method 2, or disconnect from the internet (Method 3). If neither works, you may be on a version that requires a Microsoft account for initial setup — in that case, finish setup with a Microsoft account, then switch to a local account using Method 5.

I can’t add a local user in Settings

Make sure you’re signed in as an administrator. If you’re not, the “Add account” button will be grayed out. Also, check that you’re not on Windows 11 SE or a managed (work/school) device, which may block local accounts.

After switching to a local account, I lost my files

Your files are still on the PC — they’re just no longer synced to OneDrive. You can still access them locally. If you want to keep syncing, sign in to OneDrive separately.

The “I don’t have internet” option doesn’t appear

This happens on some Wi-Fi-only devices. Try pressing Shift + F10 to open a command prompt, then type oobe\bypassnro and press Enter. The PC will restart and the option should appear. (This command may not work on the latest Windows 11 builds.)

I forgot my local account password

If you set a password hint, it will be shown on the login screen. If you can’t remember it, you’ll need to use a password reset disk (if you made one) or reset the PC using recovery options. There’s no built-in “forgot password” for local accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Windows 11 without a Microsoft account?

Yes, you can create a local account during setup or switch to one later. Some features like OneDrive sync and the Microsoft Store will require you to sign in separately.

Will I lose any apps if I switch to a local account?

No, your installed apps and files remain. You’ll lose automatic sync of settings and some Microsoft Store purchases may need you to sign in again.

Can I have both a Microsoft account and a local account on the same PC?

Yes, you can have multiple local accounts and also sign in with a Microsoft account. Each account has its own files and settings.

Is a local account more secure than a Microsoft account?

Not necessarily. A local account doesn’t have two-factor authentication options and is easier to lock out if you forget the password. However, it does keep your data off Microsoft’s servers.

Does a local account work with BitLocker?

BitLocker works with local accounts, but you’ll need to save your recovery key manually. With a Microsoft account, the key is backed up online.

Can I create a local account on Windows 11 Home?

Yes, Windows 11 Home supports local accounts. The steps are the same, though the initial setup may push you harder to use a Microsoft account.

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